Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. It is located on the east side of Tomales Bay off Highway 1, north of the town of Marshall. Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. Visit our Your Safety While Boating page for information on preparing for and remaining safe while boating in the Point Reyes area. Plenty of car parking is available for guests. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. Walk, boat, or bike to explore Point Reyes National Seashore from your front door. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping within Point Reyes National Seashore, including camping on the beaches on the westside of Tomales Bay north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern boundary. Tomales Bay Expeditions, Point Reyes Station, 415-798-2040. Blue Waters Kayaking is now offering Kayak & SUP Rentals from the shore of Heart's Desire Beach in the Tomales Bay State Park EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY! A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. If you observe drone use in Point Reyes National Seashore, please call park dispatch at 415-464-5170 or contact staff at the nearest Visitor Center as soon as possible. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. (415) 798-2040. (One person per kayak must have taken the course call 415.669.2600 for availability). These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Boil, treat, or filter any water obtained from streams, creeks, springs, etc.. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, gear, paddles, floats, ropes, anchors, dip nets, and trailer before leaving water access. (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION - $800 Minimum) Heart's Desire Beach is in our opinion, one of the best launching locations on Tomales Bay. Be it a picnic, birthday or boat-in camping trip, we believe that every expedition deserves to be crafted to meet the needs of its participants. Loved by Bay Area locals, it's a tucked away spot in the Point Reyes National Seashore for photographers to capture early morning sun rays, or for anyone to get some moments of solitude. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. Please wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing fire wood. MILLER COUNTY PARK (415) 499-6387Also known as Nicks Cove. Tomales Bay State Park provides two sites at which one may launch kayaks onto Tomales Bay: Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. To help control the spread of non-native plants and animals, please: NPSWilderness has produced three videos entitled Wilderness Calling: Point Reyes, Wilderness Motion: Point Reyes, and Wilderness Visions: Point Reyes featuring images and sounds from the Phillip Burton Wilderness within Point Reyes National Seashore, in addition to two videos about NPS wilderness: America's Wilderness and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics which kayakers and other visitors to Point Reyes may find of interest. Launching, landing, or operating a remotely operated aircraft (aka "remotely piloted aircraft," "unmanned aircraft," or "drone") from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Point Reyes National Seashore is prohibited. Tomales Bay - Wikipedia Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? Bioluminescence is mother nature at its spectacular best. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. Nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay, it is a popular kayak launch site. Bring a cap or hoodie, a waterproof shell, and waterproof pants to avoid your feet and legs getting wet from the drips from the paddle. However, there are rare occasions where we have launched and weather patterns change suddenly at which time we must return to shore. Or, reserve our handcrafted, wooden whale 4-seater boat with a personal guide. ~~Where tour is cancelled after we already launched the kayaks and must return to shore within the first-hour patrons can: ~~Where tour is cancelled before we have launched the kayaks patrons can: To Reserve Overnight Kayak Rentals, Please Check Out Our, Every Saturday & Sunday you can pick up a board or boat from us right on the shore of Hearts Desire Beach (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION $800 Minimum), 7 Days a week, you can load them on to your vehicle from our headquarters in downtown Point Reyes Station and take them to one of the beautiful local launch locations on Tomales Bay (, Load your boat or board on to a set of wheels and take them on a 7-10 minute walk to Lagunitas Creek from our Point Reyes Headquarters. Camping on the beaches on the westside of Tomales Bay north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern boundary, if you have reserved a boat-in camping permit. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. No overnight use or beach fires. Bioluminescence in Tomales Bay is virtually impossible to capture on film, most of the white-blue fluorescent photos seen here where not taken in Tomales Bay. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Hobie Mirage-Drive kayaks use a patented mechanism to transmit leg power onto the water, creating a method of propulsion which is far more powerful and efficient. A unique way to experience Tomales Bay is to take a night tour! His television show on CBS/CW won first place as America's best outdoor recreation show, and his radio show on CBS won first place in 2010 for best environmental feature show in America. ~If you are on a phone and having trouble viewing this map, click on the icon in the upper right hand corner of the map to view this map on Google Maps.~. Avalis BeachThe northernmost westside beach of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Tomales Bay - Hipcamp This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Suggested put-in points include Lac St Patrice/Forant Bridge (110 km, 7 days) and Lac Raymond (75 km, 5 days). All very beautiful n deserted. As the evening fades into darkness, the sky is lit by stars above, followed by traces of bioluminescence glowing as its spills from your kayak paddle. At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. Since the Titan comes with so much primary and secondary stability, I took the plunge last weekend. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. The Seashore faces the challenge of not only preserving the pristine shorelines of Tomales Bay and assisting in protecting clean water, but also providing recreational opportunities for the public. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. If camping on other beaches, you are required to pack out all human waste using a portable toilet or similar commercially designed waste disposal containers that can be emptied into an RV dump station or pit toilet, or a GO anywhere toilet kit (formerly sold as WAG Bags). One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. Overnight parking is permitted in the upper lot, to the right/north as you pull in. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. Turn right and drive 4.9 miles (Tomales Bay is on the right) to Inverness and Blue Waters Kayaking at Tomales Bay Resort, 12944 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Tour length is normally 3 hours (longer tours available by request) and includes paddling instruction. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Kayak tour information here. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. Kayaking Day Tours Tomales Bay Expeditions offers guided kayaking tours of Tomales Bay, usually starting in the morning for the best paddling conditions. While no prior experience is required to partake in these endeavors, first time paddlers and those new to the area may consider a guided tour. Pit toilets are available, no water. Ocean kayaking is potentially very dangerous. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). There is a day-use fee and overnight-use fee. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. If you decide to cancel, it can be difficult for us to book someone else on that trip, and in some cases may cause a trip to be cancelled due to the effect on minimum group size requirements. This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. Call us today! If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. Tomales Bay is a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long, 2645-hectare (6780-acre) tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Tomales Bay Expeditions now offers rentals of high performance pedal-drive kayaks. All of our tours are led by guides with years of experience on Tomales Bay. More Information Coming Soon! hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. This phenomenon occurs in many oceans around the world but is best viewed in a place like Tomales Bay where low ambient light makes the effect much brighter. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Medium rigor. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. Bioluminescence Tour in Tomales Bay - Napa Valley Paddle This area can get busy so reservations are strongly suggested. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Adjacent communities include Pt. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. In seconds, you will change what you see and transform how you feel. There is a day-use and overnight fee charged. No overnight use or beach fires. About. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. While there are restrooms at Hearts Desire Beach, Lawsons Landing, and Miller Boat Launch, a pit toilet at Indian Beach, and portable toilets at Chicken Ranch Beach, camping is prohibited at all of these locations. If you want to get to know this area like a local there is no better way then to book a guided tour with us! Please read A Guide to Low-Impact Boat Camping. Tomales Bay Day Rentals - Blue Waters Kayaking 415-464-5100 Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Included in the rental fee is a short introductory kayak lesson, directions on where to go and what to see, as well as your paddling equipment such as paddle, life vest, and a wet suit. Although it only takes about an hour to complete the out-and-back, the vibe surrounding this area is just begging you to slow down and enjoy your natural surroundings. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement. Point Reyes National Seashore Campground - Recreation.gov Kayak rentals: Full-day single kayaks, $70; full-day double kayaks, $110; available for two, four, 24, 36 and 48 hours. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. Quebec is an immense land of mountains and water and an ideal location for sea kayaking. Please explore responsibly! Outback Adventures, Larkspur, 415-461-2222. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. Restrooms and water available. If you observe drone use in other National Park Service areas or if you find photographs or videos online or elsewhere that were illegally taken within National Park Service areas from drones, you can report the violation to the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009 or by email. An active resort for all ages with onsite beaches, kayak rentals, boat launch, swimming pool, and restaurant. After having two horrible, Architectural Plans and 3D Virtual Tours with Matterport. Tomales Bay State Park is composed of 3 distinct use areas: Heart's Desire - Located at 1100 Pierce Point Road, in Inverness, Heart's Desire is the heart of Tomales Bay State Park. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, Shane C. said: I truly can't say enough about this place! My next kayaking venture was a July 4th morning tour of Tomales Bay, hosted by Clavey. Adjacent communities include Point Reyes Station at the head of the bay, Inverness on the west, Marshall on the east, and Dillon Beach at the mouth of Tomales Bay. The Tomales Bay State Park General Plan. Boaters may land to the south of the orange floats. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. Beach fire permits are required and may be obtained free at park visitor centers. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. We offer kayak expeditions, tours, rentals and special event hosting. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. Kayak Camping in Point Reyes, Inverness, California Tomales Bay, CA. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. Most canoe trippers plan a Noire River canoe route of 5 to 7 days to enjoy the river's best campsites, scenery and whitewater paddling, but shorter trips and day trips are also possible. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. Rent top gear from your local REI Co-op. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. These can include bioluminescent organisms, nocturnal predators such as owls, and, if the skies are clear, excellent star gazing! The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Reyes. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. As a photographer with The Chronicle, he won first place in America for best outdoors feature image in 2011. It is off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) north of Inverness. (415) 798-2040. There are a various outfitters who will include rental and guides. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Call us today! PRICING INCLUDES A $20 NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING FEE. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with a cement ramp into the water, in addition to a pier and restrooms. All of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. Point Reyes Outdoors (415) 663-8192Blue Waters Kayaking (415) 669-2600. Rinse watercraft, trailer, and equipment with high pressure hot water, when possible. Take that exit 0.3 of a mile to a stop sign, turn left on Lucas Valley Road and drive 10.4 miles to Nicasio Valley Road. Visit our Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore page . Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. Water and restrooms are available at the beach. more, Perched directly over the Stables, the Grooms Quarters is a unique vacation rental that provides comfortable and spacious accommodation for friends or family visiting Point Reyes with horses. Nature's Night Lights National Parks Conservation Association It is a critical wildlife habitat, a favorite haul-out for seals and roosting place for brown pelicans. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. Hobie pedal-drive kayaks are available in single or double for 4 hours or all-day. Overnight parking is in the upper lot, to the right as you pull in. Napa Valley Paddles blue water kayaking starts just before nightfall so that you can enjoy the rich colors of the sun setting on the horizon. Liz and I were drifting in a double kayak on Tomales Bay, the long, skinny slice of seawater that sits next to California's Point Reyes National Seashore. Per the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), the waters within 305 meters (1000 feet) of shore along the Point Reyes Headlands is closed to all vessels from Chimney Rock west to Longitude 123 01.00'. Kayaking Around Point Reyes National Seashore Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. Located in the historic village of Inverness, minutes from restaurants and Point Reyes National Seashore, youll enjoy exceptional privacy, tranquility and unmatched views of the bay. Drain water from watercraft, sponges, bailers, and water-containing devices before leaving water access. One must carry one's boat along a short trail and across sand (and maybe mud at low tide) 100 meters (110 yards) or more to the water's edge. (415) 798-2040. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. Contact Marin County Parks for more information at 415-499-6387. According to the Shark Research Committee , from 1900 to the 2012, there were 154 authenticated unprovoked white shark attacks reported in California, with only 15 fatal shark attacks . In the event of adverse weather conditions, well try our best to reschedule the tour at a later date, rest assured. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Overnight parking for boat-in campers is prohibited within Point Reyes National Seashore (i.e., along the Pierce Point and L Ranch Roads and at the Marshall Beach Trailhead) and Tomales Bay State Park. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. With this in mind, we have implemented the following cancellation policy: We attempt in all cases to determine prior to your tour launch if weather will impede your trip. , TOMALES BAY RESORT (415) 669-1389The Resort and 62-boat marina are located on the west side of the bay. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.